FOMC Statement Shows “Moderate” Economic Growth

The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee met last week and Janet Yellen held her first press conference as Fed chair. According to the FOMC statement released after the meeting, the Fed cited severe winter weather conditions as a reason for slow economic growth in recent months. FOMC members will continue to monitor economic conditions and developments as part of any decision to change the Fed's change monetary policy. Highlights included: "Moderate" Economic Growth; Asset Purchases Reduced For April FOMC made the predicted cut to its asset purchase program and reduced April's purchase of mortgage-backed securities and Treasury bills to…
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NAHB Housing Market Index Ticks Upward

Spring is almost here, and the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index (NAHB HMI) thawed slightly in March. The current reading of 47 is one point higher than for February, but still indicates pessimism among a majority of builders surveyed. Analysts expected a March reading of 50. The gauge of builder confidence stayed near its lowest level since May. March's NAHB HMI reading remained below the benchmark reading of 50, which indicates that an equal number of builders are positive about housing market conditions as those who are negative. A reading over 50 indicates that more builders are…
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